Tuvar Dal with Raita is a comforting and wholesome meal featuring a hearty combination of spiced pigeon peas (toor dal) cooked with aromatic vegetables and basmati rice. The dish is complemented by a cooling cucumber raita, which adds a refreshing contrast. Ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe brings together vibrant flavors and textures in a delightful harmony. The step-by-step process ensures that each component of the meal is perfectly prepared, resulting in a delicious and nutritious experience. If you are in mood of eating something light, fresh and healthy do try this toor daal pualo and raita once, it’s very comforting and soul satisfying.
Ingredients
- Fresh Yogurt: ½ cup
- Spices:
- Coriander Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Oil: 2 tablespoons or ghee
- Whole Spices:
- Star Anise: 1
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- Green Cardamom Pods: 2
- Cloves: 2
- Black Peppercorns: 5
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon finely chopped
- Onion: 1 large sliced
- Green Chilies: 1-2 chopped
- Vegetables:
- Carrots: 1 diced
- Cauliflower: 1 cup cut into large pieces
- Beans: ½ cup chopped
- Potatoes: 1 diced
- Tomato: 1 large chopped
- Salt: To taste
- Toor Dal Pigeon Peas: 1 cup, soaked for 2 hours
- Basmati Rice: 2 cups soaked for 20 minutes
- Water: 4 cups
- Fresh Coriander: 2 tablespoons chopped (for garnish)
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
For Cucumber Raita:
- Cucumber: 1 medium grated
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped (optional)
- Yogurt: 1 cup
- Salt: To taste
- Black Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Sugar: ½ teaspoon optional
- Fresh Coriander: For garnish
- Cumin Powder: ¼ teaspoon for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the yogurt with coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Set aside.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker. Add whole spices (star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper) and cumin seeds along with bay leaves and chopped ginger. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add sliced onions and chopped green chilies. Cook until onions are lightly browned.
- Add diced carrots, cauliflower, beans, and potatoes. Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
- Stir in the yogurt mixture and cook until well combined.
- Add soaked and drained toor dal and basmati rice. Mix gently to avoid breaking the rice.
- Add 4 cups of water and adjust salt. Mix well.
- Cook under high flame with one whistle in the pressure cooker. Let it cool before opening.
Prepare the Raita:
- Grate the cucumber and mix with finely chopped onions (if using) and yogurt.
- Season with salt, black salt, black pepper, red chili powder, and sugar (if desired). Mix well.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and cumin powder.
- Serve the hot Tuvar Dal with the cooling cucumber raita and some papad on the side. Drizzle a little ghee on top for extra flavor.
Video
Notes
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
For a richer taste, use ghee instead of oil.
The raita can be adjusted in consistency by adding a little water if you prefer it more liquid. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal with your family and friends!
For a richer taste, use ghee instead of oil.
The raita can be adjusted in consistency by adding a little water if you prefer it more liquid. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal with your family and friends!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
